Maternity hospital relocation approved
The relocation of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) from Holles Street to the grounds of St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin has been approved by Cabinet.
The Government moved to clarify the phrase “clinically appropriate” in a memo which was approved by ministers this morning.
The Government’s plan proposes to co-locate the new hospital at St Vincent’s Elm Park campus and to lease the land from St Vincent’s for 299 years at €10 per year, which the Government argues effectively amounts to ownership.
In a statement from the Department of Health, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the news, adding the legal framework has also been approved by the HSE board and the boards of the NMH and St Vincent's Healthcare Group.
NI Protocol plans
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill has accused British prime minister Boris Johnson of “pandering” to the DUP while they prevent an Executive from forming in Northern Ireland.
Boris Johnson was now going to break a document that he had signed, the Northern Ireland Protocol, and that would lead to further economic instability, she warned.
It comes as the British foreign secretary will on Tuesday declare her intention to bring forward legislation which rips up parts of the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal on Northern Ireland, in an attempt to restore powersharing in the region.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has said a reformed protocol should retain the region’s unfettered access to the EU single market which provides Northern Ireland with a “unique” economic benefit.
Lisa Thompson appeal
Gardaí investigating the murder of Lisa Thompson in Dublin are appealing to a man who made contact with officers to come forward.
The mother of two was found dead at her home in Ballymun last week and officers are continuing to investigate the events that led to the murder of 52-year-old woman. She was stabbed a number of times and her remains may have lain undiscovered for a number of days.
Gardaí say shortly after 7am on Thursday last week, a man handed a document in the name of Lisa Thompson to a garda staff member at the front door of Finglas Garda station and left on foot.
Officers are appealing to this man to make urgent contact with the investigation team at Ballymun Garda station.
Green light for outdoor alcohol
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed the legislation allowing licensed premises to serve alcohol in outdoor seating areas has been extended to November 30th.
The measure was first established in July 2021 when there were restrictions on indoor dining due to Covid-19 measures.
The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 permits the sale and consumption of alcohol by a licenced premises in a relevant outdoor seating area.
Ms McEntee confirmed her proposal to extend the measure for six months was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, adding she will now "bring the necessary motions before the Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity in advance of May 31st".
